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Spirituality has been recognized as pivotal in health education and health promotion. Although spirituality is often discussed as a dimension of health, there is little evidence of integrating it into educational settings and health promotion programs. The difficulty in addressing the concept of spirituality is related to both its association with denominational religion and our cultural emphasis on the material realm. However, some scholars are now associating spirituality with the development of human consciousness beyond the ego level. It has been suggested that the scientific investigation of this development beyond the ego may be possible with empirical and phenomenological, as well as with traditional contemplative methods. Thus, investigation in the realms of consciousness beyond the ego can be addressed within theories of knowledge that are grounded in experience. An examination of the spirituality/consciousness relationship may be crucial for any profession that purports to address the health issues of the whole person. It may then be possible to more easily integrate spirituality into educational settings and health enhancement programs. If spirituality is part of human experience, then willingness to make forays into this dimension is fundamental to health.

Purpose. The aim of this article is to present an emerging theoretical framework for viewing certain types of personal crises as developmentally healthy rather than as psycho-pathological. These types of crises are referred to as "spiritual emergence" and "spiritual emergency." Search Methods Used. Selected literature from psychology, psychiatry, and philosophy is used to describe the new paradigm, which views the development of human consciousness across the life span as going beyond the well-adjusted and productive adult ego. The intent is to introduce this paradigm and some of its implications for further critical consideration by health promotion professionals. It is not the authors' purpose to critically evaluate the relevant theoretical literature in this article. Summary of Important Findings. The new paradigm represents an expanded theory of human development that explicitly recognizes a spiritual dimension in personal growth and health. Within this paradigm, spiritual emergence and spiritual emergency are viewed as signs of transitional, personal growth rather than as symptoms of psychopathology. Accordingly, signs of growth need to be differentiated from symptoms of pathology. The first step in doing this is to contextualize human experience in a larger developmental framework. Major Conclusions. Health promotion professionals may benefit personally and professionally by being aware of the new developmental paradigm which differentiates spiritual growth from pathological symptoms. Further theoretical clarification and research will be needed before detailed recommendations for practice can be made.